Ultimate Collector's Edition: 113 Extra Pages! Comprehensive List of Successful University Applicants from 3,248 High Schools Nationwide / Cover: Makiya Yamaguchi / AERA on Sale April 6

The AERA April 13 expanded issue, on sale April 6, will feature the culmination of the university acceptance ranking series delivered since mid-March: a comprehensive list of successful applicants to major universities from 3,248 high schools nationwide. The list provides an at-a-glance view of how many students from each high school were accepted into which universities. The data, spanning 113 pages, is an ultimate collector's edition. The cover features actor Makiya Yamaguchi. He is currently one of the most talked-about actors, having won numerous awards for his first starring film "Samurai Time Slipper" and playing an important role in the ongoing taiga drama "Toyotomi Kyodai!". The photos were newly taken by AERA cover photographer Mika Ninagawa. The lead feature is "The 'Limits' of Compulsory Education." While Japan's public education is highly regarded globally, many children still attend cram schools. Based on questionnaires and interviews with both parents and teachers, this feature explores from multiple angles the challenges faced by educational frontlines and families, including anxiety about public education, the reality of overheated cram school attendance, and the stress children experience. Additionally, the portrait column "Portrait of Modern Times" delves into the life of pro wrestler Jake Lee, and Snow Man's Koji Mukai's serial "Incandescent Camera Lessons" welcomes new guest Atsushi Ito (Boys be). Packed with popular serials like THE ALFEE's "Miraculous Trajectory," it is an issue full of highlights. Please check it out!

## Cover + Gravure Interview: Makiya Yamaguchi
Actor Makiya Yamaguchi, who plays Katsuie Shibata in the taiga drama "Toyotomi Kyodai!", appears on the AERA cover. After his first starring film "Samurai Time Slipper" became a hit, Mr. Yamaguchi found himself in the spotlight. He mentions there was a time he felt bewildered by the sudden surge in job offers. What is his current mindset towards "acting"? The interview reveals his straightforward personality. Photography is by AERA cover photographer Mika Ninagawa. Please take a look.

## Comprehensive List of Successful University Applicants from 3,248 High Schools Nationwide [Ultimate Collector's Edition]
The fifth installment of the "University Acceptance Ranking" series is the culmination: the "Comprehensive List of Successful University Applicants from 3,248 High Schools Nationwide." Based on joint surveys by AERA, Sunday Mainichi, and Daigaku Tsushin, as well as university announcements, it publishes at-a-glance data on how many students from 3,248 high schools nationwide passed major universities such as the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, other former Imperial Universities, Waseda, Keio, Sophia, Tokyo University of Science, and the Kankan-doritsu group. It selects universities according to each region, creating a list tailored to local realities. Adding 113 pages—more than a standard AERA issue—this is ultimate collector's edition data useful for students and educators.

## Lead Feature: "The 'Limits' of Compulsory Education"
Japan's compulsory education is considered top-tier globally. Yet, the number of children attending cram schools is continually increasing in both elementary and junior high schools. What is happening to children's learning environments? What are the challenges in the educational field? We conducted thorough research, including the results of surveys given to both parents and teachers. This feature is linked with AERA DIGITAL, where you can read it as a 9-part series.

## Incandescent Camera Lessons by Koji Mukai feat. Atsushi Ito
Snow Man's Koji